Axial WS – 2022 – Violet White Coral

A fast bike should also be a comfortable bike.

Cube’s Axial WS is a great example of the do-it-all road bike and one that offers excellent value for money too. Starting with the aluminium frame, Cube has carefully strengthened areas where stiffness is paramount, like the large head tube, ovalised downtube and chunky seat stays. This allows for excellent power transfer and confident handling. The thin and flattened seat stays bring comfort to the ride because as much as all want to go fast, no one wants to feel beat up at the end of every ride. Comfort is also improved with a full carbon fork, which incidentally saves a lot of weight over an alloy equivalent.

Thru-axles again help with handling by minimising flex in key areas, besides which they allow for consistent wheel changes as there is only one position the wheel can fit in the frame and fork. Internal cable routing keeps things neat and tidy, as well as protecting cables from the worst of the weather for better performance and longer life. Altogether the aluminium T6 Superlite frame keeps the best characteristics of its more expensive carbon cousins to offer a high-performance ride equally at home springing out of the saddle or racking up century rides.

This specification complements the frame with a mixed Shimano Claris compact groupset. A wide-ranging 11-34t cassette and 18 gear spread provide a good ratio for all types of riding, and with all Shimano kits, you can be assured it works smoothly and reliably. Tektro disc brakes are powerful, and the cable activation is surprisingly smooth. For the home mechanic, these are really easy to service too. Cube’s own RA Disc wheelset is decently light, definitely strong, and rolls nicely on 28mm Continental tyres for a great balance of comfort and grip. A well-thought-out finishing kit completes the look for an all-around road bike capable of everything from Sunday club runs through to long-distance sportives.

Cube always represents outstanding value for money, and the Axial is no different. A dialled specification, high-performance alloy frame and great handling make it a top performer.